Microsoft changes XP product activation

Illegal trafficking of OEM product keys, Microsoft will disable

[pendanticist]

[gameshout.com...]

[Tropical Island]

Would that affect existing product that is already out in the real world?

[pendanticist]

I really don't know. However, [geek.com...] mentions "The new vendor system is set to come into effect on February 28th. Any consumer trying to activate Windows after that will be directed to call Microsoft, when they will be asked a number of questions. If the answers are correct the copy of Windows will then be activated."

[PCInk]

Companies like Dell (as mentioned in one of the articles) will probably ship machines without Windows installed (just the CD) and expect the customer to install Windows.

Support numbers will probably be given to the customers. They will probably be Microsoft phone numbers!